WHEELS of INDUSTRY
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"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
Big G.W.R. Orders for Road Vehicles.
Orders amounting to 1106,000 are to be placed by the Great Western Railway Co., covering 330 new vehicles. These will comprise 214 motor vehicles of various kinds, from private cars up to 6-8-ton lorries, 108 tiailers and eight tractors. In addition, 235 motors at present in use are to be converted from solid rubber to pneumatic tyres, and many steel-tyred horse-drawn vehicles are to be equipped with solid rubber tyres-for use as trailers.
Of the motor vehicles, 104 will be Thornycroft 2-tonners and 6-8-tonners, whilst further orders will cover a Latil tractor, six Ford 8 h.p. vans and six Scammell mechanical horses. From the Principality Wagon Co., Ltd., Cardiff, 17 movable-floor bodies are being purchased for the quick handling of road stone, etc. The small vans are intended for speedy delivery, within a few minutes of arrival at etations, of individual consignments of fish, fruit and other perishable goods.
Full details of the trailer orders are not yet known, but several of them are to be of special type for the conveyance of livestock in connection with the 135 country lorry services run by the company.
Shippers Seek Hauliers' Co-operation.
Hauliers in Liverpool should be flattered by the attentions that they are receiving from transport associations anxious to augment their membership
rolls. At present there are in Liverpool four associations, namely, the Liverpool Cart and Motor Owners' Association, Liverpool Short Cart and Motor Owners' Association, Road Haulage Association and Commercial Motor Users' Association.
Now the Liverpool Shipping and Forwarding Agents' Association, which includes most of the shipping agents of the port, has decided to invite haulage contractors to join its organization.
54 Summonses, But Only One Succeeds.
After a hearing lasting 81 hours, and following protracted legal arguments, the stipendiary magistrate Mr. J. Wellesley Orr, at the Manchester City Police Court, recently dismissed 53 of 54 summonses against Bouts Brothers, Ltd. the well-known hanlage concern, 4 London, and two directors.
The company and two directors were summoned for permitting a driver of a heavy vehicle to drive for a continuous period of more than 5f hours, and of causing or permitting him to drive for continuous periods amounting in the aggregate to more than 11/ hours, and for not allowing 10 hours' continuous rest. The summonses against the two directors were dismissed.
In cross-examination, a driver on the service between Manchester and London admitted that, when he made deliveries in London, instead of taking the vehicle to the depot, he received extra money. Mr. E. L. Bouts said that trunk drivers n20 were employed to drive the vehicles from depot to depot, and only on rare occasions required to make deliveries.
The summons, which was not dismissed, was against the company for not allowing the driver 10 hours' consecutive rest in one period of 21 hours, and, in this instance, it was fined £10.
Progress of Coal-gas as a Motor Fuel.
In the recently issued annual report of inspectors of explosives for 1932, progress in the use of compressed coal-gas or coke oven gas, in high-tensile alloysteel cylinders is referred to. The main object of the inspectors was to obtain a cylinder which, whilst strung enough to withstand high internal pressure with a reasonable degree of safety, would be sufficiently tough, so that, in the event of accident, it would not fly to pieces.
In conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, facilities were provided for experiments to be made on certain types of commercial vehicle. The report states that "Such rapid progress was made with the, experiments that, by the end of the year, it was claimed that all the mechanical difficulties in running vehicles efficiently pu gas contained in high-pressure cylinders had been overcome. The difficulties that remained lay rather in regard to the supply of compressed gas on a large scale."
In view of the success of the experiments. and the probability of the increasing use of coal-gas for motor vehicles, it was necessary to draw up a draft specification in order that cylinder manufacture could be properly controlled. These regulations, entitled Compressed Gas Cylinders (Fuel for Motor Vehicles) Provisional Regulations, 1933, were briefly referred to in our issue dated July 28.
Lower Mersey Ferry Tolls?
Coach owners are, throffgh the agency of the Liverpool area committee of the Commercial Motor Users Association, endeavouring to secure lower tolls for conveyance across the River Mersey by the Birkenhead ferry boats. It is felt that a toll of 4s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. per vehicle, plus 2d. extra per passenger, is out of proportion with the charges for goods vehicles.
Carter Paterson, Pickfords and the Railways.
Statements varying widely in import have appeared in the Press during the past few days . concerning negotiations which are known to be proceeding between the four main-line railways and the two road-haulage and expressdelivery concerns, Carter Paterson and Co., Ltd., and Pickfords, Ltd. As we close for press these negotiations continue, and no conclusive statement can be made. The railway companies have briefly announced that discussion is proceeding with a view to securing development of the cartage services provided by the two road-transport concerns in co-ordination with the rail and road facilities of the railway companies.
Carter Paterson and Co., Ltd., a private company registered in 1887, now has a capital of £775,000, and its vast fleet of motors.serves over. 5,000 receiving offices in London and the Home Counties. The directors are Messrs. L. H. Baxendale (chairman), J. J. Paterson, James Paterson (managing director), II. R. Paterson, A. Paterson, G. V. Baxendale, F. W. Carter, S. A. Smith, W. H. Gray and G. L. Polkinhorn (traffic manager).
Pickfords, Ltd., also is a private company, registered in 1909, and has a capital of £208,600. Several of the directors are directors of Carter Paterson and Co., Ltd., the board comprising Messrs. L. EL Baxendale, G. V. Baxendale, James Paterson, Owen H. Smith, N. F. Wentworth, Oswald C. Magniac, J E. Humphery, E. F. Griffiths, R. de la Bare, H. Mansbridge, Admiral Sir Aubrey Smith and Lt.-Col. Sir John Humphery. Pickfords, Ltd., does longdistance haulage by road, furniture storage and removals, and passengeragency and excursion business, as well as Meal collections and deliveries.
Maybach-geared Thornycroft on W.D.
Trials.
As already announced in The Commercial Motor, the Thornycroft Taurus compression-ignition-engined chassis is now produced with a Maybach auxiliary
gearbox. We understand that this machine has proved satisfactory and that tests carried out by John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., Smith Square, London, S,W.1, have shown that the installation of this gearbox has improved the general performance of the vehicle and has effected a saving of 25-34 per cent. in fuel consumption. We learn that a chassis thus equipped has recently been submitted to a series of War Department trials.
The auxiliary box operates in series with the main gearbox, from which it is a separate unit, and is controlled by a second lever placed beside the normal gear lever. The box is compact, and has four helical ground pinions, wif..ch are in constant mesh, the direct or indirect drive being engaged by Maybaeh automatically synchronizing dogs which facilitate all gear changes.
Reduced Reo Prices.
A new price-list showing lower list prices for its range of goods vehicles is issued this week by Reo Motors (Britain), Ltd., Beavor Lane, London, W.6. The A-type and C-type fourcylinder 2-tanners, having wheelhases of respectively 11 ft. 4 ins. and 13 ft. 4 ins., are listed at 1249 and £269 respectively; the 24-tonnens, having the Gold Crown 68 17.h.p. engine, are now £299 (TB-type, 11-ft. 8-in. wheelbase), £325 (TD-type, 13-ft. 84n. wheelbase) and £370 (1TDX-type, 15-ft. 10-in.
wheelbase). The two 3-tonners now cost £405 (3D-type, 18-ft. 10-in. wheelbase) and .E150 (3DX-type, 16-ft. wheelbase).
All the models have full-floating rear axles, four-speed gearboxes, four-wheel hydraulic brakes and twin rear wheels.
Another Meeting of the A.O.D.
The third meeting of the Alliance of Owner Drivers will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, at the New Inn, Westminster Bridge Road, London, S.E.1. All small hauliers are invited to attend.
Leading Lancashire Haulier Dead.
Mr. J. H. Kershaw, aged 65, proprietor of the Kershaw Motor ro., and a leading Lancashire haulage contractor, died suddenly in the council pavilion of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show, of which he was an hon. official.
An Unusual Demontstration Vehicle.
Motor vehicles suitably equipped to demonstrate the products of the Concerns using them enjoy a wide popularity, but it is a new departure for a petrol-pump-manufacturing company to demonstrate its equipment by this Mang. This is the idea favoured by the Wayne Tank and Pump Co. to show potential customers its new electric pumps under actual working conditions.
An illustration on this page clearly shows how the pump is carried on a Ford 12-cwt, chassis. The pump is the company's model 861, with a large octagonal illuminated dial, nozzle con
trol and interlocking clock and switch mechanism. In the back panels are a sectioned pump unit and a motor unit, whilst various other components are arranged in the side lockers.
The vehicle, which has a separate electrical generating set with an automatic-starting two-cylimdered petrol motor, creates the impression that it is a mobile petrol station. Thisef.coursc, is not the case, for the nozzle is fixed in the tank at the foot of the pump, and a non-inflammable light oil is used. Nevertheless, the mechanism of the pump is demonstrated under service conditions, and we learn that the company's enterprise is being well rewarded.
A Booklet on Ironclad Bodies.
Sir W. G. Armstrong Whitworth and Co. (Engineers), Ltd., Scotswood Works, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has recently issued a booklet dealing with its Ironclad lightweight bodies for commercial vehicles. We have already published a description of the method cf construction, in which the body is built up on an all-steel, welded underframe. Apart from strength of construction, there is a saving in weight amounting, in some cases, to as much as 25 per cent.
Personal Pars.
The transport committee of Stocktonon-Tees Corporation has appointed Mr. M. Campbell, of Blackpool, as transport managea.
Mr. Duncan M'Farlane, manager of the transport department of Alloa Cooperative Society, Ltd., has retired after 33A years' service.
The Lord Mayor of London, Sir Percy Greenaway, has accepted an invitation to visit Hull during Civic Week and lay the foundation Stone of the new bus station and garage in Ferensway on October 14.
Mr. J. T. Heads has recently been made bus traffic superintendent to Newcastle Corporation. He has risen from the position of ticket clerk to his new post in the space of nine years. In 3924 be was a ticket clerk with United Automobile Services, Ltd., and two years later chief clerk for the Northumberland district. He became recognized as an authority on the Road Traffic Act and has frequently appeared before the Northern Traffic Commissioners.
The Road Haulage Association advises us that a change has been made in the personnel of the organizing staff for Division No. 1. Mr. M. C. Vickers, 20, Roach Road, Sheffield, will work in this division as from Monday next, in succession to Mr. Harry Clark.
Mr. Vickers will be working in the East Lancashire area for the next week or two, and applications for the services of the organizer after that periodshould be sent to Mr. George A. Hotter, the secretary of the Association, at Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, London, W,C.2.
At the annual general meeting of the Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd., held a few days ago, the appointment of three new directors was announced. They are Mr. G. Gordon Bell, Mr. It. A. Carder and Mr. E, E. Soubry.
Mr. G. Gordon Bell was horn in Ottawa and came to this country after serving with distinction in the war with Mr. Frederick J. Wolfe, now chairman of the board of the company, to take charge of the extensive chain of depots and transport, which are an important part of the organization of the concern.
Mr. R. A. Carder is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries, and joined the audit staff of the AngloAmerican concern in March, 1920, becoming assistant secretary in 1925, deputy secretary four years later, and secretary in June 1930.
Mr. E. E. Soubry, who is only 87, has had a rapid rise to a directorship. He started as a junior in the company's offices in London, but his service was soon interrupted by the war. He returned to occupy a minor position, but his salesnianship and administrative qualities brought him rapid promotion, first to a managership in the west of England and then to a sales managership at headquarters, whilst he was appointed general sales manager in January of lest year. A portrait of each of the new directors is published on this page.
Tilling and B.A.T. Bonus Approved.
At meetings of the 8 per cent. preference and ordinary shareholders of Tilling and British Automobile Traction, Ltd., recently held in London, resolutions were approved authorizing the capitalization of £400,000 of the reserve to be distributed to the ordinary shareholders in ordinary shares as a bonus, in the proportion of one share far every four shares held.
Mr. Sidney E. Gareke, the chairman, mentioned that the directors had given much care and thought to the question of protecting the interests of the participating preference shareholders.
A Register of the Motor Trade.
The 1933 edition of the Register of the Motor Trade has recently been published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and is available to non-members at a guinea per copy, post free, including subsequent quarterly lists of additions, alterations and deletions. Applications, with remittances, should be made to the registers department, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., 83, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1.
The Society draws attention to the service it offers in addressing envelopes to those concerns mentioned in the register. Any classification or combination of classifications can be selected, as ean names by counties and, in London, by postal districts. Charges for this service will be quoted on application.
Developing Ford's Irish Factory Site,
It is announced that an extensive R.O.P. fuel-storage depot is to be established at Cork, on land forming part of the factory site of the Ford Motor Co., Ltd. This step follows the decision of the Ford organization to develop part of its large production resources in Ireland as an industrial estate.
Since the transfer of the tractor side of the Ford Co.'s activities to Dagenham, the whole of the works at Cork has
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not been occupied, only a part being reserved for building cars for the Free State market.
Negotiations for the disposal of other portions of the site for the establishment of factories or depots are, we understand, in progress. The site covers an area of 130 acres and has good wharfage facilities.
C.M.U.A. Action in Mersey Tunnel Question.
As announced in last week's issue, the Liverpool area committee of the Commercial Motor Users' Association held a special meeting on August 3 to consider the proposed by-laws and tolls for the new Mersey Tunnel.
Particular attention was given to the proposal to preclude steam wagons from using the underground highway, and it was decided to ask the Mersey Tunnel Joint Committee to receive a deputation from the Association to die
cuss this and several other matters arising from the proposed.. by-laws. The tunnel committee is to be asked to allow members to inspect the tunnel.
Big Orders for Brush Bodies,
The Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd., Falcon Works-, Loughborough, has received two substantial orders for double-deck trolley-bus bodies, one for 46 units being from Nottingham Corporation, and the other, for 20 bodies, being from Derby Corporation; the latter are to be mounted on Guy chassis. Another important order is that from Crosville Motor Services, Ltd., for 13 26-seater bus bodies.
Oil Hydrogenation Exhibition.
The Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd., is staging an exhibition at 16, George .Street, Plymouth, of the proCess of the hydrogenation of oils. The display was opened by the company's advertising manager, Mr. P. G. A. Smith, and will close on August 19.. Water Service for Steam Wagons.
Steam-wagon drivers who have been in the habit of picking up water supplies from the seevice box at Marcus Street, Birkenhead, should note that, in consequence of. the operations on the Mersey Tunnel entrance, this box has been transferred to Poole Street.
It is stated that 'counterfeit tokens have been found in service boxes at Bromboraugh, Ellesmere Port and Baokford. Steam-wagon owners are urged to bring to the notice of the Commercial Motor Users' Association any case of wilful damage or counterfeiting.
A Four-deck 160-seater Bus!
According to an Italian contemporary, a Rome engineer has designed a 160-seater four-deck motorbus with a maximum height of not more than 15 ft. 9 ins. The vehicle corn wises a
four-wheeled tractor and a superimposed trailer, the latter having two rear axles.
The forward portion of the bus body follows the outline of the tractor, terminating with a projection in line with the top of the driver's cab. The same engineer is also reported to have designed a 125-seater three-deck bus, 39.1 ft. long and about 14 ft. high.
British Road Tar Production.
A marked increase in the production of British road materials and a decline in imports of materials from abroad is disclosed in a memorandum issued by the Utilization of Coal Committee of the Institution of Mining Engineers.
An estimate of the increase of British tar is from 328,000 tans in 1923, to 873,000 tons in 1928, since when the quantity has remained nearly constant An average of about 60,000 tong of tar is exported annually, so that the yearly production of road tar in Great Britain is between 800,000 tons and 900,000 tons. A New Hydraulic Gear.
We are informed by a well-known pgineer that a new hydraulic torqueconverter gear, which is claimed to be an advance on any other of this type yet produced, is entirely automatic and gives excellent acceleration, is awaiting commercial development, the suggestion being that it should be taken up and manufactured by some important company which is in a position to carry out the necessary tests, etc. Letters addressed "Torque Converter," ewe of the Editor, will be forwarded.
Commercial-vehicle Selling in Swansea.
We learn that Jeffreys Commercial Motors (Swansea), Ltd., distributor for T.S.M. passenger and goods vehicles in the Swansea area, has taken de livery of 26 chassis of this make this year, included in which are nine doubledeckers. The company has also placed a further order for two coaches. Last -week, orders were also placed with Garner Motors, Ltd., for several 2-ton vehicles. The actual sales during the past 12 months have been a record, having reached the 70 mark.
New Low-temperature Carbonization Plant.
A few days ago British Coal Refining Processes, Ltd., announced that its first Plant for the low-temperature distillation of coal will be erected on the outskirts of Huddersfield. It is stated that sources of coal supplies hero been secured, as well as sufficient land for the purpose of expansion.,
F.W.R.A. Autumnal Conference.
The autumnal conference of the Furniture Warehousemen and Removers Association will be held on November 9 and 10. On the first day there will be a meeting at the Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C.1, and the autumnal dinner will take place at that hotel in the evening. The conference will continue on the following day, when a meeting will be held at Olympia during the course of the International Commercial Motor Exhibition.
C.M.E.A.'s New Facility.
The north-western division of the Commercial Motor Users Association proposes to set up a legal department to deal effectively with members' applications for goods-carrying licences.